We work interprofessionally both within and outside the Balgrist University Hospital and with the University of Zurich. Internationally, we are closely networked with the relevant specialist departments and individuals. That’s why we are motivated and in the ideal position to significantly increase the level of expertise and quality of treatment for people with musculoskeletal disorders.
Within the field of chiropractic medicine at Balgrist University, the department also directs the entire training process for prospective chiropractors. The Chiropractic Medicine Clinic is responsible for the practical part of training for junior assistants in the sixth year of study and the continuing education of resident doctors and specialists.
Degree in chiropractic medicine–training
Chiropractors study for six years in Switzerland. The first four are identical to the study of human medicine and also include chiropractic study.
After three years, they earn a bachelor’s degree in human medicine and enter the master’s degree program in chiropractic medicine in the fourth year in order to deepen and specialize in their field in the fifth year.
During one semester of the final year, students work as junior assistants in our clinic, where they develop and strengthen their clinical and practical skills under the supervision of a team of specialist chiropractors. In the other semester, they complete a five- to six-month rotation system in various specialist departments at different university hospitals in Zurich.
Continuing education to qualify as a specialist chiropractor
![[Translate to Englisch:] Lehre und Forschung der chiropraktischen Medizin](/fileadmin/_processed_/4/b/csm_lehre-der-chiropraktik_8141d1fdc4.jpg)
Students who complete the master’s degree in chiropractic medicine may register for the state examination. Upon successful completion, chiropractors are qualified to practice their profession under the supervision of senior physicians and to begin a two-and-a-half-year residency in an accredited clinic or private practice.
The doctorate in chiropractic medicine is optional and can be applied for at the Faculty of Medicine no earlier than one year after the master’s degree.
After completing the residency and continuing education at the Academy of Chiropractic, the examination to become a specialist chiropractor follows; passing is a prerequisite for independent professional practice or continuing work as a senior physician at a clinic.
Chiropractic research
The Integrative Spinal Research (ISR) group operates on an interdisciplinary basis in the fields of chiropractic medicine, physiotherapy, movement sciences and neuroscience. The focus is on three main areas:
- Research into spinal pain
- Functionality, efficacy and side effects of chiropractic treatments
- Personalized treatment of spinal pain
![[Translate to Englisch:] Chiropraktische Forschung](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/4/csm_chiropraktische-forschung-im-campus_7d0c7c35cc.jpg)
We investigate physiological, biomechanical and brain-related aspects of spinal pain. We also analyze our treatment results and draw important conclusions for the further development of our treatments. This approach efficiently brings evidence-based insights from the lab to the clinic and to our patients.
Our chiropractic students also carry out research projects during their master’s degree to ensure that they learn how to conduct scientific research and that their professional knowledge is always aligned with the latest findings and developments, starting from the very beginning of their careers.